PORVORIM: WRD Minister Felipe Neri Rodrigues emphasised on conserving water while expressing concern over the future availability of raw water in the State. “There is no State Policy but we are working in line with the Centre’s water policy. It is high time that we give major thrust to water conservation and it is a great challenge before me, for which, I require support from the colleagues in the House,” said Rodrigues.
He added that the demand for raw water in the State is 1,200 million cubic litres and the same amount of it is available in Goa. “The demand for raw water is on par with the supply. This is a thing to worry if we think water requirement for the next 50 years. We need to conserve the water considering our future,” he added.
He also informed about the water pumping from the mining pits in April-May owing to shortage of rain in September 2018. “The requirement for raw water increased in the state during April and May months. To alleviate the requirement, we are proposing to provide permanent pumping units in abandoned mining pits in phased manner. We will also have our own policy to regulate water resources so that they are preserved for posterity,” he maintained.
Many developments have taken place in close proximity of water bodies has created stress. Therefore, inventory of all the lakes and rivulets would be made and notified so that they are protected for posterity. The prestige and original glory of Bondvol Lake will be preserved. Although the matter is in the court, Minister said he has taken cognisance of the concern raised by ST Cruz MLA Tony Fernandes.
He further stated that dredging/desilting of River Sal to be taken up on priority after monsoon.